Photo Set Pressed Powder has a lightweight texture that goes on satin smooth to even out your skin tone. Five neutral shades (ranging from fair to dark) are offered, each of which initially goes on sheer, but layers well for medium coverage without looking powdery and cakey. This powder is great for touch-ups or as a finishing powder, but blends on better with a brush than with the sponge applicator that's provided.

Pros:

Lightweight, pressed powder that goes on satin-smooth.

Four neutral shades offered.

Adjustable coverage from sheer to medium without looking cakey.

Great for touch-ups or as a finishing powder.

Cons:

Included sponge may seem handy, but this powder looks best when applied with a brush.

Strengths: A unique Anti-Shine product that is a must-try if you have very oily skin; mostly excellent foundations with a neutral range of shades; improved powder eyeshadows and lip color products; well-constructed makeup brushes.

Weaknesses: A few products that are better in concept than execution.

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about Smashbox is that its name refers to the early, accordion-style cameras and that Smashbox is first and foremost a Hollywood-based photography studio.
The company's creators, Dean and Davis Factor, have their heritage in makeup—their great-grandfather was the legendary makeup artist Max Factor. The makeup, which debuted in 1996, began as a collection of trendy and fashion-forward colors coupled with a pleasingly neutral palette of foundations, concealers, and powders. Nowadays, there are exceptional options to choose from, but also some color products that fall short due to too sheer formulas or other issues noted in their respective reviews.

Where Smashbox has lived up to their Hollywood makeup pedigree is with a few standout formulas, including impressive lip products as well as excellent foundations, BB and CC cream options. Of course, the brand is also well-known for their range of makeup primers—whether that’s a necessary step is up for debate—but nevertheless they do offer a few products in this category that are worth considering.

For more information about Smashbox, now owned by Estee Lauder, call (888) 763-1361 or visit www.smashbox.com.

About the Experts

The new Beautypedia Team proudly and unequivocally maintains the commitment to help you find the best products possible for your skin. We do this by relentlessly pursuing and relying on published scientific research so you will have unbiased information on what works and what doesn't-and the sneaky ways you could be making your skin worse, not better!

The Beautypedia Team reviews all products using the same research, criteria, and objectivity, whether the product being reviewed is from Paula's Choice or another brand.

I don't like the feel or look of foundation or heavy powder yet need the coverage for my uneven, combo, & sometimes blemished skin. This gives great coverage without being heavy; I wear it solo, and it keeps my shine in control for a while (I don't think I can ask for much more given my oily tzone). I also have problems with powders that look too pink on my skin (Clinique). This works so well with my slightly yellow undertone, without being too dark (my skin can be quite light in the winter).

AUSTRALIA

EUROPE

NORTH AMERICA

Paula’s Choice Auto Delivery is a quick and convenient way to make sure you never run out of your favorite products again. Just select the products you can’t live without, choose how often you’d like them delivered and we’ll take care of the rest.